The Cat Butler - Proud Ambassador of Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF)

The Cat Butler are delighted to announce that we are an ambassador of The Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) group. EWiF's primary focus is to support women looking for a route into the franchise industry. Franchising can be a great move for women looking to take their career a step further or have a career that fits in with their home life. EWiF are looking to change the face of the franchise sector so that women have a much larger presence than they do currently and to balance out the ratio of men to women in the franchise industry.

The remit of EWiF is threefold:

• To encourage women to consider buying a franchise
• To encourage business women to franchise their existing operations.
• To help franchisors attract more women to their networks.

The group's mission is "to inspire, encourage, educate and support women considering or involved in franchising through its network of ambassadors."

The 2015 Natwest/bfa survey revealed that women account for just 23% of franchisees in the UK and that over the last two years, only 17% of new franchisees have been women. EWiF, a not for profit organisation run by franchise professionals, hopes to readdress the balance by offering expert guidance and support to women interested in franchising. Much of this expertise is shared free of charge or at EWiF discounted rates. EWiF also undertakes research into women in franchising, raises the issues that face women in franchising and publicises women in franchising in the media. EWiF's members come from all areas of the franchise industry and include Franchisors, Franchisees, Banks, Consultants, Accountants, Solicitors, Media providers and Exhibition Organisers. EWiF hosts regular regional meetings, an awards ceremony and an annual conference, as well as offering its various advice and guidance services, including a mentoring programme.

To find out more, please visit the EWiF website.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.